Fairphone 5: Failed installation of /e/OS (previously Android)

Help Fairphone 5
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1

Hello!

I tried to install a new OS on a Fairphone 5 using the /e/OS installer. Android was previously installed.

The installer can be found here: https://e.foundation/installer/

I successfully completed all the steps according to the website, at least that’s what it said on the website.

Now the Fairphone starts up and the Fairphone and Android logos are visible for a brief moment. Then the black screen with white text appears. I assume this is the bootloader.

There I have four options to choose from: “Start,” “Restart Bootloader,” “Recovery Mode,” and “Off.” But no matter what I select, I always return to this screen. Neither Android nor /e/OS can be started.

The Fairphone is also no longer recognized by the installer on the website. I am now unable to repeat the entire process.

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Which FPOS Version was installed and which e/OS Version did you install and did you lock the bootloader?

3

Since I always updated Android, I assume that the latest Android version was installed.

As for /e/OS, I can’t say, because I used the installer from the /e/OS website. But I suspect it was a current version.

And the black screen says: DEVICE STATE: unlocked

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A clear guide to install /e/OS on your Fairphone

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5

As the bootloader is unlocked and when the installer doesnt work you could either install e/OS manually or first again FP OS and try again after that.

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6

Thanks for the answers!

For a non-expert, the procedure is a bit difficult to implement, but I’ll give it a try.

I have one more question. The instructions say:

The most important thing to take care of is the Stock OS “Android Security Patch Level” already installed on your device before you start the installation process.

It must be OLDER than the “Android Security Patch Level” included in the /e/ build you want to install, otherwise you risk turning your device into a brick.

But I have no idea what level my Android had. It no longer starts up, so I can’t check. Should I wait a few weeks until a new version of /e/OS is released with a guaranteed newer patch level?

What can happen if the /e/OS level is not newer?

And a second question: Android was secured with a pattern (9 points that had to be connected). The installer I used didn’t mention that this would be a problem.

But the linked instructions did.

Could this still cause problems?

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there is no FPOS Version with SPL of 5th Nov. Its Dec or Oct. so if @Steven2 want to relock soon (note locking the bootloader will wipe the phone) the Oct Version followed by e/OS 3.3 would be the fastest solution, if you dont want to relock it should not matter and you could also use the most recent FPOS version.

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So I would try to install /e/OS. I don’t want to go back to Android. Not even as a temporary solution to try again with the /e/OS installer.

On this website, I find version 3.3 as the latest version – would that be okay or not?

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If you want to relock and you had the most recent FPOS installed no, as 3.3 is Dec 1st SPL while FPOS is Dec 5th SPL.

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Is there a list somewhere where I can see the SPLs for different versions?

So I have to wait until a new version (-> 3.4.) is released?

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